Neither did Don
Pedro think it necessary to tell the officer that he and his two
companions were prepared to shoot if necessary. Inspector Date,
being a prosy Englishman, would not have understood such lawless
doings in his own sober, law-abiding country.
When they reached the jetty Don Pedro glanced at his watch,
illuminating the dial by puffing his cigar to a ruddy glow. It
was just after eight o'clock, and even as he looked an
exclamation from Date made him raise his head. The inspector was
pointing out-stream to a large vessel which had steamed inshore
as far as was safe. Probably Hervey was watching for them
through a night-glass, for a blue light suddenly flared on the
bridge. Don Pedro, according to his promise, fired a pistol, and
it was then that Date learned that his companions were armed.
"What the devil did you do that for?" he inquired angrily. "It
will bring my constables down on us."
"I do not mind, since you can control them," said De Gayangos
coolly. "I had to give the signal."
"And we all have revolvers," said Random quickly. "Hervey is not
a very safe man to tackle, inspector."
"Do you expect a fight?" said Date, while they all watched a boat
being lowered.
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